Last year roadworks in Gonville Place at the junction with Mill Road caused lengthy tailbacks.

Cambridge taxi driver and vice-chairman of the Cambridge Hackney Carriage and Private Hire association Paul Bradley said: "I don't want to be dramatic, but it is going to be very chaotic.

"We only found out about this a few weeks ago and we somehow have to find alternative ranks for around 50 cabs.

"The roadworks will close the ranks on St Andrews Street opposite Christ's College, and Sidney Street, which are significant taxi ranks which people know of.

"My main concern is that members of the public - particularly vulnerable ones - will just jump in any old car in their hurry to get home.

"I want to make people aware that they should only get in licensed taxis or reputable private hire vehicles."

Cambridgeshire County Council’s project engineer Josh Rutherford said: “We apologise in advance as we know this work may cause some disruption for local residents and businesses, but we've planned the works so they are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

"We’ll also be programming the works when on site, so we are moving away from the residential area as the night progresses.”